Remarkable in its depictions of boxing matches which are extremely realistic this is neatly counterpointed by just as sadistic behaviour in Jake La Motta's private life. At first the main characters here can seem fairly alienating but Scorsese's skill is in eventually making us feel something for a person with no redeeming qualities. You end up feeling sorry for La Motta when he is reduced to a stage sideshow attraction, it is also completely appropriate when he recites part of Marlon Brando's "I could have been a contender" speech from On the Waterfront. 
   

DVD available from MGM/UA Home Video:
http://www.amazon.com/